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Could Arsenal sign Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette in January?

Sure, Arsenal have been linked with a move for Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette in every transfer window for the last two or three years, but this could finally be their time to sign the Lyon star. According to various reports across Europe, the Gunners have contacted the French side to discuss a potential deal for the 25-year-old and it would be a major scalp for Arsene Wenger and the board if they can snag one of the continent’s hottest forwards next month.

With the right support, Lacazette could yet mature into an elite option on the wing and Arsene Wenger might be able to get the most out of the Frenchman. In years gone by, the Arsenal boss has always worked well with his compatriots and it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see the Gunners make a concrete bid for the talented forward before the end of the January transfer window.

On current form, Lacazette might find it difficult to force his way into the Arsenal starting line-up but that is more testament to how well the Gunners are playing right now rather than any direct criticism towards the Lyon striker. Alexis Sanchez has been simply sublime since switching to a more central position earlier this season and Arsenal are reaping rewards from his varied skillset.

Arsene Wenger on Alexis Sanchez: "He's developed very well as a striker. He's found a good mixture between coming short & going in behind." pic.twitter.com/6OQN3sSmGF

At the time of writing, Sanchez has bagged 14 goals in 23 appearances for the Gunners this campaign and most Arsenal fans will be hoping that the Chile star can maintain that form ahead of the business end of the year. But with his future at the Emirates Stadium currently up in the air, Arsenal may be tempted to move for cover sooner rather than later in case the 28-year-old decides to leave the club.

Comparatively, Lacazette has netted 15 goals in 20 appearances – although you could argue that he has done that in a “lesser” division. At the end of the day, the Premier League is a class above. However, that isn’t to say that Lacazette wouldn’t give Arsenal a boost as they hunt a first top-flight crown since the "Invincibles" romped to the title in 2004.

Arsenal are currently priced at 6/1 with Sportsbet and another world class threat upfront will give them a better chance of finishing at the top of the table. Olivier Giroud has raised his game in recent weeks but he is too inconsistent over the course of a 38-match season; Lacazette would at least give Wenger another competent option in attack...

Sanchez may be destined for a move elsewhere in the coming years and Arsenal should move for a replacement now. If they wait on Lacazette, they may miss out on him – and Arsene Wenger would certainly regret that. There are only a handful of world class striking options around and the Lyon forward is on the cusp of joining that elite bracket. A career in the Premier League with Arsenal could easily see him blossom into that top household name in the near future.